When it comes to clever, down-to-earth writing, we usually don’t think about fantasy or fiction. How could something covered in magic sparkles or wizards or transforming witches possibly be anywhere near “down-to-earth”?
We often associate the genres with intense world builders like J.R.R. Tolkien or Robert Jordan, or even infamous George R.R. Martin. Their books take themselves very seriously. These authors are very aware that they are writing a fantasy journey with mortal danger to their characters that must be cleverly won out (or dramatically lost) in some way. Their writings do touch on the nitty-gritty of real life struggles with death, fear, and war in a way that can be understood and empathized (in vary degrees) of their depth and impact on humans. But that doesn’t mean that the average reader will connect with those themes or even view their words as anything beyond make believe. Their fantasy world is too fantastical or dramatic or epic to be considered “down-to-earth” and while very well written, they don’t come off as clever.
That is where Sir Terry Pratchett differs and excels. He has written quite a lot, his Discworld books are perhaps his most famous among readers of fantasy, but he also has wonderful books for children and young adults. His characters come in every degree of nuance and absurd that humankind exhibits, that at some point you may look at a bit of his writing and recognize your own absurdities. He knew how to blend humor, fantasy, human folly, and the struggles of the average person into beautiful, clever stories.
And those moments where reality of man seeped in, though wrapped up in clever word play or exaggerated characters, reached the hearts of his readers. Pratchett was very much for the betterment of mankind. He often demanded of his readers, through character dialogue or situations. One of his most quoted passages is about how expensive it is to be poor. He knew and understood and was actively doing all he could to try to leave the world better than when he, ultimately, left.
